The History of Child-Centered Play Therapy:

From Foundations to Present

Looking for those hard-to-find History hours and/or Seminal Theory hours in play therapy? 

This section provides the foundational knowledge you need, tracing the roots of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) and how it became a cornerstone for child-focused therapeutic work. Get ready to discover how to turn play into a pathway for emotional expression, growth, and resilience.

Talking about history can be fun especially when you do it our way. We will include online games like Jeopardy and another debating game and will save time for you to ask questions about the Registered Play Therapy Phases and path!

Step into the origins of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) and discover how it emerged as a pivotal approach in the world of play therapy. Weโ€™ll trace the roots of CCPT, exploring its history alongside the broader evolution of play therapy, setting the stage for how it became a cornerstone for child-focused therapeutic work. 

In this section, weโ€™ll explore the core principles that make CCPT such a powerful approach, from creating a safe, accepting space to meeting children right where they are, in their world of play. 

During the discussion period, we will also include current research in the world of CCPT to help round off section 5 of the book.

Welcome to Book Club!

What a FUN and interactive way to learn. In this hybrid training experience, you will โ€ฆ. 

๐Ÿ“• Purchase the book "Child Centered Play Therapy" by Rise Vanfleet, et al.. It is now yours to keep and refer to for

guidance.

๐Ÿก Read the assigned section 1 (Background and Relevance) and Section 5 (Research & Professional Issues) at

home (3 non-contact APT & NBCC CEs)

๐ŸŽ Complete an exam (80%+) to earn your reading CE certificate

โ˜•๏ธ 1. Join a live group discussion (2 contact CEs) in person in Loudoun Co, VA (location TBD)

-OR-

๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿ’ป 2. Join a live group discussion (2 non-contact CEs) via Zoom:

๐Ÿค“ After completion, receive 5 total NBCC & APT CES

๐ŸŽ“ Discussion certificates are awarded the same day; reading certs follow exam completion

"The History of Child-Centered Play Therapy: From Foundations to Present"

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, participants will be able to:

Objectives:

Examine the historical roots of Child-Centered Play Therapy and its foundational principles.

Trace the development of play therapy as a clinical practice, highlighting key contributors and seminal works.

Identify key components of a therapeutic playroom as outlined in early CCPT literature.

Explain how CCPT principles align with developmental theories relevant to childrenโ€™s emotional and social growth.

Differentiate between directive and non-directive play therapy approaches as they emerged historically in play therapy.

Analyze current research involving the use of CCPT in contemporary practice.

๐Ÿ“— Child Centered Play Therapy by Rese VanFleet, et. al

Before Class Discussion, Read Sections 1 & 5 of Book

Certificate:

"The History of Child-Centered Play Therapy: From Foundations to Present"

Discussion Time: 10/03/25 ... 9:30am - 11:30am EST

(virtual/in-person)

Discussion 2 CEs:

2 APT/NBCC CEs

Reading Before Class 3 CEs:

3 APT non-contact CE/3 NBCC (after exam)

Cost: $99 for all 5 CEs

Agenda (Eastern Time) 9:30 -11:30am

9:30-10:30 Discuss Begins! Talk about the assigned reading with one another

10:30-11:30  Activities to explore topics of reading

11:30  Book club is over! See you next time

Save $15 by purchasing 2 sections of the CCPT Book, Save $30 by purchasing 3 AND

Save $45 by purchasing all 4 sections of the book! Bundle Option Available at Check Out.